Insomnia and heavy drinking often co-occur, with estimates indicating that between one-third and 91% of individuals who struggle with sleep also engage in hazardous drinking behaviors. A recent study from Ohio State University has shed light on how stress and depression contribute to this link, revealing that the relationship between insomnia and alcohol use is bidirectional.
The research, led by Jessica Weafer, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral health, found that for many individuals, insomnia can lead to increased alcohol consumption primarily due to heightened stress levels. Conversely, heavy drinking can exacerbate insomnia, largely through the development of depressive symptoms.
“Our findings indicate that targeting stress in individuals with insomnia may help reduce the likelihood of them turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism,” Weafer stated. This insight could have significant implications for treatment strategies, suggesting that addressing stress could mitigate both insomnia and its associated alcohol misuse.
The study involved 405 participants who completed questionnaires about their sleep quality, alcohol consumption patterns, and levels of perceived stress and depression. The researchers differentiated between stress and depression, noting that while they often overlap, they are distinct. The stress scale evaluated how individuals perceive life’s situations as stressful, while the depression scale measured emotional responses such as hope and loneliness.
Analyzing the data revealed that both stress and depression act as mediators in the relationship between insomnia and alcohol use. The study found that stress uniquely contributes to the relationship when insomnia leads to drinking, whereas depression plays a more significant role when drinking leads to insomnia. This was an unexpected finding, highlighting the complexity of these interactions.
Weafer emphasized the importance of examining both factors in tandem, as they can reveal different pathways depending on whether insomnia or alcohol use precedes the other. The researchers noted that while stress and depression were identified as mediators, there may be additional factors influencing the connection between poor sleep and alcohol misuse.
The researchers are currently conducting a longitudinal study to track changes in insomnia, stress, and depression over a 12-month period. This ongoing research aims to provide a clearer picture of how these factors evolve and interact over time.
Furthermore, the study is part of a larger project that examines the effectiveness of a digital intervention for insomnia known as SHUTi (Sleep Healthy Using the Internet). A pilot study conducted in December 2023 indicated that SHUTi effectively reduced insomnia symptoms among heavy drinkers, even without a specific focus on reducing alcohol intake.
The findings from this research, supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, underscore the critical need for integrated treatment approaches that address both sleep issues and alcohol misuse. As research continues, it may pave the way for more effective strategies to tackle these interconnected challenges.